XC3 Weaponlight

Archive for the ‘FR’ Category

NSA Strengthens Its Safety Solutions for Frontline Workers with the Addition of Nasco Industries

Tuesday, December 23rd, 2025

NASCO is NSA’s third acquisition this year, bringing the total to 18 acquisitions to date

CLEVELAND / December 18, 2025 / National Safety Apparel (“NSA”), is pleased to announce the acquisition of NASCO Industries, Inc., a U.S.-based manufacturer of premium flame-resistant rainwear and protective outerwear. 

This strategic addition marks NSA’s third acquisition in 2025 — reinforcing the company’s commitment to disciplined, long-term growth. In total, NSA has now completed 18 acquisitions, underscoring its position as a leader in the personal protective equipment (PPE) industry.

Founded in 1979 and headquartered in Washington, Indiana, NASCO has built a strong reputation for high-quality protective outerwear solutions designed for workers in demanding environments, including utilities, oil & gas, construction, transportation and industrial sectors. Its product portfolio features flame-resistant rainwear, high-visibility apparel and rugged outerwear engineered to help protect against electric arcs, flash fires, chemical splashes, roadside hazards and harsh weather, depending on the garment, while prioritizing comfort and mobility.

“We are thrilled to welcome NASCO into the NSA family,” said NSA CEO Chuck Grossman. “This partnership strengthens our position in the flame-resistant rainwear market and expands our coverage in the electric utility PPE segment. NASCO’s craftsmanship, reputation for excellence and commitment to innovation align perfectly with our mission to deliver best-in-class safety solutions to frontline workers.”

The integration of NASCO’s flame-resistant rainwear lines will strengthen NSA’s portfolio of safety solutions for electrical, industrial and service sectors. These products will be seamlessly incorporated across the platform, unlocking new opportunities for innovation and delivering enhanced value to customers.

“Joining forces with NSA represents an exciting new chapter for NASCO,” said NASCO CEO Jordan Sherman. “For decades, we’ve focused on building high-performance protective solutions. NSA’s resources, culture and dedication to quality make them an ideal partner to advance that mission and deliver even greater value to the workers who rely on our products.”

“This acquisition caps off a milestone year for NSA,” said Blue Point Partner Jonathan Pressnell. “NASCO’s expertise and complementary product lines strengthen NSA’s market position and create meaningful opportunities for continued innovation and growth. Blue Point is proud to support NSA’s vision and remains committed to providing the resources needed for sustainable expansion.”

NSA is actively seeking additional partnerships with like-minded founders and business owners who specialize in safety products. Business owners interested in learning more may contact Blue Point Managing Director, Business Development Megan Kneipp at mkneipp@bluepointcapital.com

GORE-TEX Professional Pyrad Battle Dress Uniform

Tuesday, November 25th, 2025

At the AUSA and Milipol exhibitions, W.L. Gore & Assoc have displayed Battle Dress Uniforms made from a new version of their FR Pyrad material.

As the fabric is currently produced in Europe, they are gaging interest in the US for an FR material which retains the inherent qualities of the base fabric. PYRAD is a finish which is added to the fabric before it is assembled into a garment but does not significantly affect characteristics like air permeability of comfort of the fabric against the skin.

Learn more at www.goretexprofessional.com/defense-fabrics.

Carrington Textiles Stretches the Standard at A+A

Thursday, October 2nd, 2025

Global workwear textiles manufacturer Carrington Textiles has announced the launch of 12 new fabrics at A+A in Düsseldorf this November. With 75% of the new range featuring stretch technology, eight products incorporating sustainable fibres and four delivering flame retardant protection, the company is reinforcing its drive to raise comfort and performance standards across workwear.

With a campaign called Stretch the Standard, Carrington Textiles is aiming to highlight the benefits of stretch without compromise. Supported by a new film combining high-energy visuals with a female model fronting the concept in a hard-wearing garment, the production highlights Carrington Textiles’ effort to represent today’s diverse workforce while presenting the fabrics’ core qualities of durability, flexibility, flame retardancy and sustainability.

The collection spans from lightweight 170gsm solutions such as Michigan and Rivington to midweight fabrics like Denver at 210gsm, offering comfort and durability in everyday workwear.

At the heavier end, Flamemaster 365 Eco at 365gsm provides robust protection with recycled polyester content. Other protective developments include Flametougher 240AS Flex and 290AS Flex, both incorporating XLANCE® stretch fibre alongside flame retardancy and antistatic properties. In a major first for the industry, Flametougher 290AS Flex was tested in stretched condition by the independent, accredited testing laboratory STFI in Germany, proving that FR protection can be maintained under tension. Flameflex300AS has also been engineered to combine mobility with flame retardant performance.

Sustainability and advanced stretch are central to the rest of the line. Circularis 245 is produced using chemically recycled polyester from textile waste. Marano delivers four-way stretch powered by LYCRA® T400® EcoMade fibre for long-lasting flexibility, while Varano, Grasmere and Grizedale achieve sustainable comfort through blends with bio-based stretch polyester.

This year’s stand has been designed with visitors in mind, spanning 150sqm across two floors with dedicated display areas, garment presentations and relaxed meeting spaces. Carrington Textiles’ redesigned product guides will also be officially launched at the show.

Paul Farrell, Sales Director at Carrington Textiles, said:“A+A is the most important platform for our industry. It gives us the opportunity to show how we are stretching the standard in workwear textiles by introducing fabrics that combine durability, comfort and sustainability with the high performance customers expect from us.”

For more information visit carrington.co.uk or see the team at A+A in Düsseldorf from 4–7 November in Hall 16 Stand F44.

Environmental Control Corporation – FR Drape Cap and FR Helmet Brim

Tuesday, July 8th, 2025

ECC Gear has just launched two new hats, the FR Drape Cap and Helmet Brim.

Made from TenCate Defender M and Milliken ResQ, these caps are FR which is crucial in protecting the head and neck which contain roughly 1/4 of the body’s cutaneous (skin-surface) nerve endings.

Both caps include loops for routing earplug lanyards, which accommodates systems such as the Ops-Core AMP which feature in-ear near field magnetically induced (NFMI) audio drivers. This routing system also prevents snags which tend to pull out hearing protection at the worst times.

The FR mesh material is lightweight, thin, and made for next to skin use. It compresses under gel ear-cups and does not add bulk or create gaps.

Made with highly breathable fire retardant mesh, the Drape Cap compares favorably to traditional boonie hats. ECC’s low-profile, quick-drying design provides superior head and neck protection without compromising peripheral vision or hearing. When not in use, it packs nearly into a thigh pocket or pouch.

The Drape Cap also incorporates a number of modern creature comforts such as internal routing and storage for electronic earplugs, compatibility with over-ear headsets and helmets, and stretch-fit sizing.

The FR Helmet Brim is low-profile cap designed for use with ballistic helmets, bump helmets, and communication headsets.

A 3/4″ length bill shades the face and eyes without interfering with slings or weapon optics. Tencate fire retardant mesh creates a breathable layer between the scalp and helmet padding — reducing skin irritation caused by occlusion, pressure, and bacteria.

Both are available in S/M or L/XL sizes, using a stretch-fit rear to keep the cap in place. Currently only in OCP / Coyote. Other colors may follow.

eccgear.com/collections/fr-headwear

Visit TenCate Protective Fabrics at AUSA

Friday, October 11th, 2024

Join Us at AUSA 2024!

Visit TenCate Protective Fabrics at booth #2839 for an exciting opportunity to connect with our team. Stop by, share your contact information, and receive a Tech T4 T-shirt—while supplies last!

Be sure to check out our full lineup of innovative fabrics, designed to keep you comfortable and protected in the field and on the job. Don’t miss out on the chance to learn more and grab your free gear!

KommandoStore – Eighty Four FR Combat Balaclava Available for Pre-Order

Saturday, July 13th, 2024

The new Eighty Four FR Combat Balaclava from KommandoStore is available for pre-order.

Kommando Store took it upon themselves to recreate this one-hole design after their supplier decided they would no longer sell to civilians.

It is made in America and is the a similar design worn by the Obi Wan Nairobi and the material is inherently FR down to the fiber level (Tencate Defender M Fabric). Although one-size fits most, they’ve improved the fit, particularly while craning your neck this way and that.

Offered in Tan 499. Ships late July.

kommandostore.com/collections/eighty-four/products/fr-combat-balaclava

SOF Week 24 – Drifire FR Soft Shell Jacket

Wednesday, May 8th, 2024

Drifire’s FR Soft Shell Jacket is Berry Compliant and made 14 oz. FR DRIFIRE Tri-Laminate with DWR.

Features:

Zippered hand warmer pockets

Loop on chest and sleeves for easy attachment of SSI

Stand up fleece lined collar for added protection and warmth

Zipper closure bicep pockets built for large phones and tools

Adjustable wrist tabs to help keep sleeve in place and close off wind and weather

Adjustable drawstring waist for closer fit to keep the cold out

There is also a pant available.

Netherlands’ RIOT Police Unit Equipped with Flame Retardant Uniforms from UF PRO

Wednesday, March 27th, 2024

KOMENDA, SLOVENIA (22.03.2024)

UF PRO, a leading name in the tactical clothing industry, unveiled its latest flame retardant uniform designed for the Netherlands’ crowd and riot control operations during a public debut at the event held in Ossendrecht, Netherlands.

Over 3,500 Sets Deployed for Enhanced Operations

In collaboration with Gear Point, UF PRO’s distributor in the Netherlands, the National Police Services Agency (Politiedienstencentrum) has equipped their RIOT Police Unit (Mobiele Eenheid) with these advanced uniforms. The initial deployment plan includes 3,500 uniform sets for deployment in 2024.

Innovative Flame Retardant Uniforms

The newly introduced uniform system features several flame retardant (FR) components, including the Striker X FR Combat Pants, Striker X FR Combat Shirt, Delta Eagle Gen.3. FR Jacket, and Monsoon XT Gen.2 FR Rain Jacket.

Darko Radoš Roth, Sales Manager at UF PRO, expressed enthusiasm about the innovative design, stating:

“UF PRO is setting new standards in the development of crowd and riot control uniform systems with its innovative dual-use design. This design allows for a seamless transition between everyday police work and crowd and riot control without the need for changing clothes.”

Crafted for exceptional flame retardancy and breathability, the uniform systems are tailored to meet the distinct needs of crowd and riot control police units. They offer robust protection against flames and intense heat, prioritising comfort, functionality, and ease of movement.

Collaboration with Industry Leaders

UF PRO collaborates with industry leaders W.L. Gore & Associates (Gore) and Schoeller Textil AG to ensure the highest quality and innovative flame retardant technology in their garment systems.

The Delta Eagle Jacket and Rain Jacket feature Gore’s innovative flame retardant PYRAD® technology, which effectively reduces heat flow through the fabric and prevents the spread of flames. Additionally, the Rain Jacket offers 100% waterproof capabilities, thanks to the GORE-TEX 3-layer waterproof and breathable laminate.

Schoeller’s pioneering pyroshell technology, found in UF PRO’s Combat Shirts and Pants, revolutionises fire safety. By transforming conventional materials into non-burning layers upon heat exposure, it provides active protection and enhances comfort. Through bonding and mixing processes, Schoeller ensures optimal flame retardancy, shielding wearers from direct flame exposure.

Rigorous Testing

All UF PRO’s FR garment systems undergo rigorous testing, including the Thermo Man test, conducted by the Swiss Federal Laboratories for Materials Science and Technology (EMPA). This ensures comprehensive evaluation and real-life protection against intense heat and flames. If you’re interested in learning more about the testing process for flame retardant clothing, you can find additional information here.

UF PRO’s collaboration with the Netherlands’ National Police Services Agency (Politiedienstencentrum) signifies a significant advancement in crowd and riot control uniform systems, promoting safer and more comfortable policing.